The rehabber.

Grid System

Suspended Ceiling Will Add A Finished Touch

April 02, 1999|By Bernard Gladstone, New York Times Special Features.

Q--My attached garage has an unfinished ceiling with beams and roof sheathing exposed. I want to add a ceiling that will cover up the wires and beams that are now exposed, and that will keep the garage warmer and lighter looking. I also would like to install built-in lighting units such as those I see in stores and offices. What kind of ceiling material would be simplest for me to install?

A--Your best choice would be to install a suspended ceiling (like those you see in most stores and offices). These systems are sold in lumber yards and home centers. They consist of ceiling panels and a suspended grid that's formed when T-shaped aluminum runners and strips (called "cross tees") are suspended from the overhead beams with lengths of heavy gauge wire. The ceiling panels come in a wide range of patterns. They are dropped into place on this grid and thus will cover up the exposed beams and roofing, as well as provide some extra insulation. You can replace several of the ceiling panels with matching fluorescent fixtures, thus providing light where desired.

Q--The staircase going to my second floor squeaks in several places. I cannot get at the bottom of this stairway because it is enclosed. Is there anything I can do from above that will eliminate the squeaks in these stairs?

A--Squeaking is usually due to loose treads or risers that move slightly and rub against each other when stepped on. To eliminate the problem, you can drive screws down through the top of the tread near the front edge so the treads will no longer move up or down. Make sure the screws are far enough back from the front edge so that they go into the top of the riser under that tread. Before driving the screws, drill a clearance hole through the tread and a pilot hole into the riser; otherwise the wood may split. Countersink the head of each screw, then fill the hole that remains with a matching colored wood putty.

Q--About one year ago, we installed a no-wax vinyl floor in our kitchen. When I scrubbed off several black heel marks with an abrasive pad, this took the shiny finish off in those areas. Without waxing the entire floor, how can I restore the shine to these spots?

A--Manufacturers differ in how they finish or coat their "no-wax" floors, so your safest bet is to contact the manufacturer and get his suggestions. Or you can try contacting your local dealer for a recommendation. If you just wax those areas, chances are that the gloss achieved will never quite match the rest of the floor. And, of course, it will have to be renewed periodically.

Q--What is the best way to remove the sticky residue left when masking tape is stripped off a finished wood surface?

A--The safest product to use is something like 3M's Adhesive Remover, which is sold for just this purpose. Or you can use rubber cement thinner (sold in art supply stores), or even ordinary lighter fluid (very flammable, so use all proper precautions).

----------

Have a question about home repair problems? Write to Bernard Gladstone in care of Your Place, Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60611. Questions of general interest will be answered in future columns. Sorry, letters cannot be answered personally.